Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by different types of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Pneumonia is a serious infection that can cause difficulty breathing, fever, and cough.
Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe or life-threatening complications.
Pneumonia signs and symptoms: |
⦁ Shortness of breath.
⦁ Cough.
⦁ Nausea and vomiting.
⦁ Fever.
⦁ Chest pain.
⦁ Sweating.
⦁ Chills.
⦁ Fatigue.
⦁ Loss of appetite.
What causes pneumonia? |
⦁ Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in adults. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia include Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.
⦁ Viruses: The flu (influenza) and the common cold are two of the most common viruses that can cause pneumonia. Other viruses that can cause pneumonia include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus.
⦁ Fungi: Pneumonia caused by fungi is most common in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
How to prevent pneumonia? |
⦁ You should treat the underlying infection and prevent it from developing into pneumonia.
⦁ Wash your hands: Washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill germs that can cause respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
⦁ Avoid close contact with people who are sick: If you can, stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other respiratory infections, as they may spread germs that can cause pneumonia. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible to prevent spreading your infection.
⦁ If you have a cold or the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the infection to others.
⦁ Keep colds from turning into pneumonia: If you have a cold or flu, you should monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if they get worse or last longer than usual.
⦁ If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases your risk of developing pneumonia.
